The Mercedes-Benz 280 GE (Japanese: メルセデス・ベンツ 280GE, Merusedesu Bentsu Nihachimaru Jīī) is an Original Mini 4WD car released by Tamiya on April 18, 1984.
It was based on the modified, 3-door variant of the first-generation W460 Mercedes-Benz 280 GE that was used in the 1983 Paris-Dakar Rally (Now known as Dakar Rally).
General info[]
The 280 GE has the more compacted, super-deformed form of that of its real-life counterpart. It sports a 3-door sport utility vehicle body design, with a circle-shaped headlamp on the front.
Its bodyshell was mainly dominates by white color. Various sponsors, including Texaco, Havoline, can be found on the bodyshell.
It was equipped with the standard gray Comical-1 wheels paired with the black Comical Block-1 tires.
About the Mercedes-Benz 280 GE[]
The modified Mercedes-Benz 280 GE, made for the 1983 Paris-Dakar Rally, has many modification made for the race.
First, the 2.8 liter Mercedes-Benz M110.994 natural-aspirated Inline-6 engine has been modified to increase the power output from 154 hp to 220 hp. In addition, the front axles of the car has been modified and stronger springs and special absorbers has been fitted into the car for the harsh rally raid. It was equipped with the sand tires supplied from Michelin.
Despite the sandstorm during the rally raid, race driver Jackie Ickx and his co-driver Claude Brasseur, who driven the 280 GE, won the 1983 Paris-Dakar Rally in the car category.
Technical info[]
| Variant | Body | Chassis | Wheels | Tires | Motor | Dimensions | Gear |
Standard |
Color: White and Black Smoke |
Type: Comical |
Size: Small |
Size: Small |
Standard |
Length: 127 |
40:1 |
See also[]
Mercedes-Benz cars[]
External link[]
Tamiya Japan[]
- Mercedes-Benz 280 GE at Tamiya Japan (Japanese) (Archived)